Events to raise awareness on human trafficking

Local advocates are planning events to mark Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness this month, including a walk on Sunday and a “weekend of prayer” the following weekend.

The Sixth Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day Event and Walk organized by the Soroptimist International of Vista will be held at the Avo Playhouse starting at 1 p.m. The event is aimed at raising awareness of sex trafficking in North County and around the world, organizers said.

Kaye Van Nevel, one of the organizers said the events are also aimed at highlighting some of the successes against human trafficking in recent years, including new, tougher laws and increased enforcement efforts.

“We’ve seen such successes over the last 10 years that it’s an indication that this is worth fighting for,” Van Nevel said. “My hope is to put a bit of a positive message; that we are getting somewhere.”

Last year, the event in downtown Vista drew over 100 people. Those who participated in the walk carried signs urging people to look beneath the surface to spot forced prostitution and human exploitation.

In recent years, more than 250 suspected pimps have been arrested in connection with human trafficking and sex crimes countywide, according to the Sheriff’s Department. On Dec. 3, authorities charged an Oceanside couple with 26 counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child in a sex trafficking case.

Authorities say Inez Martinez Garcia and her husband, Marcial Garcia Hernandez, smuggled a 12-year-old Mexican girl across the border and used her as a slave for sex and labor more than ten years ago. The victim, now an adult, came forward two years ago with details of the abuse, authorities said.

Advocates say the case is an example of the kind of crimes they are trying to stop.

Local advocates are also calling on local congregations to participate in “A Weekend of Prayer” Jan. 11 to 13. The weekend of prayer is aimed at enlisting people of all faiths in the fight against human trafficking organizers said.

“This will help spread awareness as to how broadly the nation is coming together on this serious human rights abuse,” said Sister Jean Schafer, co-director of Hope House, a safe house that provides shelter and counseling services to victims of human trafficking.

During a weekend of prayer, congregations are encouraged to participate in events raising awareness about human trafficking and end their services with a prayer calling for an end to modern day slavery.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Day and Walk is free but people are asked to donate $10 to fund the Human Trafficking Task Force Soroptimist International of Vista.

There will be featured speakers from the Sheriff’s Department North County Human Trafficking Task Force, North County Lifeline and GenerateHope.

The event will be held at the Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista, starting at 1 p.m. followed by a short walk to and from The Wave. For more information, visit www.soroptimistvista.org.

For more information about A Weekend of Prayer, visit www.weekendofprayer.net.